Joint Management Stories
A Celebration of Aboriginal Ownership and Joint Management
Title Transfer for Devils Marbles and Davenport Ranges
On Tuesday the 28th of October 2008, freehold title to Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve and Davenport Ranges National Park (Proposed) were granted to Traditional Owners.
The traditional ownership of these parks is now formally recognised under the Commonwealth's Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act. Both parks will be leased back to the Northern Territory Government and jointly managed by the Traditional Owners and Parks & Wildlife Service
The Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin handed over title for the two parks at the ceremony held at the Devils Marbles. The crowd were welcomed with dancing and singing by the female Traditional Owners of the Reserve.
The Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is located 100km south of Tennant Creek. The Minister for Parks & Wildlife, Alison Anderson said the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve was one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the Barkly region, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. "Joint management and title for Traditional Owners will get people back on country, encourage the transfer of knowledge to the young, and energise local economies," Ms Anderson said.
The chairman of the Central Land Council, Lindsay Bookie, paid tribute to those involved in the struggle to have native title recognised over the Devils Marbles.
"[It is] good to see the people here today; we waited a long time for this to happen," he said.
The Davenport Ranges, approximately 100km south-east of Tennant Creek, mark the approximate junction between the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Alyawarra and Wakay peoples. While the Devils Marbles, traditionally known as Karlu Karlu, is the traditional country of the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra people. A priority for the Traditional Owners of the Devils Marbles is to rename the Reserve to include “Karlu Karlu” to reflect Aboriginal ownership and joint management.
The Joint Management Plan for the Devils Marbles is expected to be passed by the Territory Parliament in early 2009. Preparations for the Davenport Ranges National Park Joint Management Plan will begin in mid 2009.
